The California Ocean Science Trust (COST) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing ocean and coastal science in California. Established to bridge the gap between science and policy, COST aims to ensure that scientific research informs decisions affecting ocean resources and ecosystems. The organization works on various initiatives, including supporting scientific research, fostering collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders, and promoting effective management of ocean resources.

The Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS) is a professional organization in Canada that aims to promote the study and understanding of meteorology, oceanography, and related disciplines. Founded in 1965, CMOS serves as a platform for professionals, researchers, and students in these fields to network, share knowledge, and collaborate on scientific research and education.

The Duke University Marine Laboratory (DUML) is a research and educational facility located in Beaufort, North Carolina. It is part of Duke University and focuses on marine science and conservation. Established in 1938, the Marine Laboratory emphasizes research and teaching in various fields related to marine biology, ecology, oceanography, and environmental science.

The Integrated School of Ocean Sciences (ISOS) is an educational institution or program focused on oceanography and marine sciences, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to understanding ocean systems. While specific details about ISOS can vary by region and institution, such schools typically integrate various scientific disciplines—including biology, chemistry, physics, and geology—related to the ocean and its interaction with the atmosphere, climate, and human activities.

The Institut océanographique de Paris, or the Oceanographic Institute of Paris, is a prominent scientific research institution focused on oceanography and marine sciences. Founded in 1906, it aims to promote knowledge and conservation of the world's oceans through scientific research, education, and public awareness initiatives. The institute is involved in various aspects of ocean studies, including marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is a specialized agency of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Established in 1960, its main goal is to promote international cooperation and coordination in the field of oceanographic research, services, and data sharing. The IOC's key objectives include: 1. **Promotion of Ocean Science:** The IOC encourages the study of the ocean and its interactions with the atmosphere, climate, and human activities.

The Joint Institute for Marine Observations (JIMO) is a collaborative research initiative that focuses on the collection and analysis of marine data to improve our understanding of marine ecosystems and their interactions with climate change, weather patterns, and human activities. JIMO typically involves partnerships between various research institutions, universities, and government entities, aiming to enhance marine observations through improved technology, methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches.

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is a UK-based research organization that focuses on ocean and coastal science. It plays a significant role in studying and understanding the oceans and the processes occurring within them, as well as how they interact with the atmosphere and the land. NOC conducts research to address key global challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural hazards.

The University Marine Biological Station Millport (UMBSM) is a research and teaching facility located in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland. It is affiliated with the University of Glasgow and specializes in marine biology and related fields. The station offers opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to conduct marine research and provides a range of educational programs.

The Oceanographic Institute of Venezuela, known in Spanish as the "Instituto Oceanográfico de Venezuela" (IOV), is a research institution dedicated to the study of oceanography and marine sciences in Venezuela. Located in the coastal city of La Guaira, the institute focuses on various aspects of oceanography, including marine biology, physical oceanography, and the study of coastal ecosystems. The IOV aims to conduct scientific research, promote the sustainable use of marine resources, and enhance understanding of marine environments.

The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) is a prominent research institute located in the Netherlands, dedicated to the study of marine and coastal ecosystems. Established in 1874, it is affiliated with the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and operates multiple research facilities, including the main site in Yerseke and a station on the Wadden Sea.

The University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI) is a research and education facility located on Sapelo Island, Georgia. It is part of the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and serves as a center for marine and coastal research. The institute focuses on the study of marine ecosystems, coastal environments, and the processes that affect them. UGAMI provides resources for researchers, educators, and students, offering access to diverse habitats such as salt marshes, coastal waters, and beaches.

Waikīkī Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Waikīkī, Honolulu, Hawaii. Established in 1904, it is one of the oldest aquariums in the United States and is noted for its focus on the marine life of the Pacific Ocean. The aquarium is affiliated with the University of Hawaii and plays a significant role in marine research, education, and conservation efforts.

The YM Museum of Marine Exploration, located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is an aquarium and marine-themed museum focused on the education and preservation of marine life and ecosystems. It offers various exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs designed to promote awareness about marine environments and the importance of conservation. The museum typically showcases a variety of sea creatures, ecosystems, and the relationship between humans and the ocean, making it an engaging destination for families, educators, and marine enthusiasts.

Beachrock is a type of sedimentary rock that forms along coastlines, typically in intertidal zones, where marine sediments – such as sand and gravel – become cemented together by calcium carbonate or other minerals precipitated from seawater. This process usually occurs in environments where the right conditions, including wave action, tidal influences, and the presence of certain chemical conditions, allow for the accumulation of sediments and their eventual lithification into rock.

The benthic zone is the ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water, including oceans, seas, and lakes. This zone encompasses the sediment surface and sub-surface layers, extending from the shoreline down to the deep-sea floor. The benthic zone is characterized by its unique habitat, which includes various types of substrate, such as sand, mud, and rock.

Marine pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or pollutants into the ocean or other bodies of water, which subsequently negatively affect marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. This pollution can arise from various sources and can take many forms, including: 1. **Chemical Pollution**: This includes heavy metals, toxins from industrial processes, pesticides, and fertilizers that run off into waterways. Chemicals can accumulate in marine organisms and enter the food chain, posing risks to both wildlife and human consumers.

The Mediterranean Sea is a large body of water located between Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. It is one of the world's most historically significant seas and has played a crucial role in the development of the civilizations throughout history due to its strategic location and rich maritime routes. ### Key Features of the Mediterranean Sea: 1. **Geography**: - The Mediterranean Sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Strait of Gibraltar to the west.

A continental margin is the area of the seafloor that separates the continental landmass from the deep ocean floor. It consists of several geological features and is divided into three main zones: 1. **Continental Shelf**: This is the underwater extension of the continent, characterized by relatively shallow waters. The continental shelf typically extends from the coastline to the continental slope and is often rich in marine life and resources, including fish and hydrocarbons.

The Longhurst code refers to a classification system for the world's ocean and coastal waters developed by Dr. A. Longhurst. It's used to categorize various marine biogeographical provinces based on physical and biological characteristics. The system divides the oceans into different regions, each designated by a specific code and defined by factors such as temperature, nutrient levels, and primary productivity.